scott_to4 Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 hi guys ive done a search but only found a lot of vague answers. the things i want to know are>>>> 1. do i use a matt black or a gloss black??? 2. Water based paint, oil based paint, house interior paint, acrylic???? 3. apply with roller or brush??????? does either way look less streaky from the front, im painting a back of 8x2 so dont wont to have to take it off and reapply if it looks streaky, i really want it streak free. 4. will it last forever, the 8x2x2 is going in my loungeroom for a loooong time, id hate to have to empty it to reapply if it ever becomes flaky or begins to peel. Ok that should be it, i really want this to look good as it will be my frontosa disply tank in my loungeroom and i want it to be awesome. I think the black background and crushed coral substrate will look great just want to make sure im doing the painting process properly thanks in advance guys!!! Scotttan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaZ Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 1. It doesn't matter. You will be viewing the paint through glass/water/glass so it will just look black. I've used both gloss and matt in the past and they both look the same. 2. Water based is fine, and it's easier to clean up. 3. I find a spray can easiest if you have the tank outside, but if it's inside (I've painted tanks that are set up and fully running before) then just use a brush. Yes, ALL methods will look really bad when viewed at the back of the tank, but once again it's only how it looks from the front that matters. 4. Use a product called ESP which you can get from any paint supplies place. It's simple to use, just wipe it onto the glass you want to paint and it will help the paint to bond more strongly. I painted the back of a standard 6ft tank about 13 years ago while it was still in my loungeroom. I drained nearly all of the water and inched the tank very slowly away from the wall (definitely not a recommended practice). I used ESP and then a brush and some spare black paint that I found in my garage. That tank stayed with me for another 9 years I think, it moved house once with me in that time, and has since moved house again to be in my brother-in-law's loungeroom. The black paint is still effective and has not started to peel, and has no visible scratches. Of course you will still need to be careful what you hang off the back of the tank in the way of filters/plumbing because just like any painted surface it is obviously still able to be scratched if you try hard enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamwater Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 I can only reply with my taste and experiences.... hi guys ive done a search but only found a lot of vague answers. the things i want to know are>>>> 1. do i use a matt black or a gloss black??? I definately prefer a matt finish...the less reflection the better it looks I feel. 2. Water based paint, oil based paint, house interior paint, acrylic???? I used a low sheen interior acrylic water based and found it worked well.... 3. apply with roller or brush??????? does either way look less streaky from the front, im painting a back of 8x2 so dont wont to have to take it off and reapply if it looks streaky, i really want it streak free. Definately use a roller, much easier to apply and doesnt leave streaks 4. will it last forever, the 8x2x2 is going in my loungeroom for a loooong time, id hate to have to empty it to reapply if it ever becomes flaky or begins to peel. Nothing lasts forever....if you have prepped and applied correctly it should not flake or peel for quite a number of years...the only thing you would have to be carefull about is water running underneath the paint if it hasnt been applied correctly, you will end up with big water filled bubbles....you could try sealing it with a finish of some sort, I havnt tried that as yet....but something to think about. HTH Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robdog013 Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 Hi There I prefer to use spray paint, I haev done it to two of my tanks, 3-5 layers I usually do. Spray a layer, let it dry, and spray again on a 3 ft tank i used two cans and on a six fter I used 3 cans. After every spray I peer closely to see if any light can come through in any areas and then I spray these the next time round. Tape the sides and top of the tank with newspaper and perform in a well ventilated area. Make sure if you spray it outside it is not a windy day and that bugs and dust do not fly into your wet paint....this ruins it. It doesnt really matter if its gloss or matt cause you veiw it through two pieces of glass and water in your tank so It all looks the same, Its cheap and nasty but it looks good and can bring out the colours of your fish. I hope this helps cheers Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Citypainter Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 Good advice Baz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obsessed1 Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 I've only ever used a roller when doing tank backs. On my 8x2x2 I used the roller and acrylic paint. I did four really light coats letting it dry totally between each coat. I used a little material roller from bunnings and it worked perfectly (was about $4). I personally didn't want to try the spray can as I hadn't used them much before and was worried about it running. No matter which way you go the most important thing to remember is that if your not patient between coats and don't let it fully dry it will go very wrong! Good luck mate and don't be shy about sharing some pics as your progressing through the setup ! HTH Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Eatoff Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 I used Dulux Weathershield. Its self priming and low sheen. Also theres no reflection in it either For those who dont have rollers (like myself) you can get away with sponging it on. I found a brush tended to leave streaks and the sponge does the trick very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_to4 Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share Posted August 19, 2007 ok tank is all finished. I used ESP first, as BAZ mentioned. Simple wipe on, leave to penetrate for 5 mins, wipe off. wait 90 mins, start painting. I used a flat black, water based, gloss acrylic enamel. I just gave it its 5th 0r 6th coat (cant remember) and it is 100& covered, i shone 2 500watt halogens from the back to see if any light came through, none. I applied it with a roller and it was so easy, each coat only taking maybe 2 mins. left at least 2.5 hours between coats to dry. It was heaps easir than i thought it would be, no streaks and looks perfect both front and back (even though you dont see the back). Finally, anyone who is considering taking on the job themselves but is a little bit daunted, dont be. Its very simple, just take the steps i did as above and it will come out looking great. Oh yer, all up i used just under 500ml of paint. Thanks to everyone for their advice along the way. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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